In Kosovo, in 2010 we had even 22% of the population traumatized.
We started in 2010 as the first organization to train trauma therapists together
with the Psychiatrist for children and youth Lutz Besser from Germany.
For decades he is a successful trainer in this field and the leader of Zentrum for
Psychotraumatologie in Niedersachsen.
In 2007 we opened a Psychosocial center and we started to offer trauma therapy
from Monday to Friday in:
Mitrovica South
Mitrovica North
Prishtina
Fushe Kosove
Prizren
We are very thankful to the German embassy in Prishtina and the Foreign Ministry in
the last years and the ongoing support until December 2024.
We also thank the Ministry of Health in Prishtina for their support.
Bread for the World (BFtW) is supporting our work.
Group Therapy for Parents and Teachers
The primary goal of the group therapy sessions was to support parents and teachers in identifying and understanding delinquent behaviors among children, aiming to strengthen their capacity to manage challenging situations and build healthier, more collaborative relationships with children. Through discussions, reflections, and interactive activities, parents and teachers were encouraged to develop effective communication strategies, understand the underlying factors contributing to delinquent behavior, and promote supportive environments for children’s emotional and social development. Program contributed to increase awareness, improved cooperation between schools and families, and fostering a more inclusive approach to children’s development.
Long-Term Trauma Therapy Training
One of the core initiatives of QPST is the Trauma Therapy Training Program, developed to advance the professional knowledge and skills of mental health practitioners in the field of trauma-informed care. As part of this program, in September of this year, module 3 “Stabilization Techniques in Trauma Therapy”, facilitated by Xhevahire Balaj Mata, was held with the participation of 30 mental health professionals.
The training focused on developing practical competencies in recognizing trauma responses, implementing stabilization techniques, and fostering a safe therapeutic environment for clients. Participants reported that the module significantly improved their ability to support individuals experiencing trauma, contributing to improving the quality of psychosocial and clinical services within their respective institutions.
In addition to the training component, supervision remains a vital element of the Psychosocial Center for Trauma Therapy, ensuring the continuous professional growth and support of its staff. During this period, the center engaged in 10 days of supervision with Dr. Dieter Stein, a German psychiatrist and EMDR therapist specializing in child and adolescent trauma, as well as 2 days of supervision with Vjollca Berisha, a clinical psychology specialist.
Through these supervision sessions, the psychologists of the center have further strengthened their professional competencies, refined their therapeutic approaches, and enhanced the quality of trauma-informed services provided to clients.
8 week Violence Prevention Program with Youths and Adolescents – North Mitrovica
We are also very pleased to share that during this period, the 8-week program “Prevention of Violence with Youth” was successfully completed. The main goal of this program was to equip participants with knowledge and practical tools to identify risk factors, promote non-violent communication, and strengthen positive coping mechanisms among young people.
A total of 12 participants benefited from the first cycle of the program, engaging in interactive sessions that encouraged reflection, empathy, and constructive conflict resolution. Following the positive outcomes and high level of engagement, the second group of participants has now begun the program, continuing QPST’s efforts to promote safer and more supportive environments for youths and adolescents.
Hygiene education courses
The empowerment of women continues to be a key priority for our center, reflecting our ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality, health awareness, and social inclusion. In this context, hygiene education courses, conducted by nurse Elza Potoku, have been launched to provide women with essential knowledge and practical guidance on maintaining personal and family well-being.
During this reporting period, 10 women participated in the sessions, gaining valuable information on oral hygiene, menstrual health management, and general hygiene practices. The program also addressed the importance of self-care, access to health services, and the link between personal hygiene and overall physical and mental well-being. These sessions not only improved participants’ understanding of health-related topics but also encouraged open dialogue on issues that are often stigmatized or overlooked. Through such initiatives, the center continues to support women in building confidence, autonomy, and healthier lifestyles for themselves and their families.
Literacy and Education for Women and Girls
In addition to health education, the Literacy Course for Women and Girls represents another essential component of our center’s women’s empowerment efforts. The course is designed to promote independence, self-confidence, and social inclusion among women and girls who have not had access to formal education.
During this period, 10 women have been actively participating in the literacy sessions, learning basic reading, writing, and numeracy skills. The training also integrates discussions on daily life applications—such as reading medication labels, understanding official documents, and managing personal finances—helping participants to use their new skills in practical and meaningful ways.
Beyond improving literacy, the course serves as a safe and supportive environment that fosters personal development, communication skills, and empowerment. It enables women to become more engaged in their families and communities, to advocate for their rights, and to access wider economic and educational opportunities. By supporting such initiatives, the center continues to contribute to the long-term empowerment and inclusion of women, recognizing education as a fundamental pathway toward equality and independence.
Dance Groups
As part of our ongoing efforts to provide enriching educational and cultural experiences, at our center, dance groups are organized where children from the RAW community have the opportunity to learn new dance techniques and styles. This program aims to develop the artistic and social skills of the participants, encouraging creativity, discipline, and teamwork. The activities are professionally structured and adapted to the age and interests of the children, creating a stimulating and supportive environment for their holistic development.
Sixth module “Rescuing the inner child in safety” of the trauma therapy program
The project of the psycho-social center for trauma therapy continues to increase the professional capacities of Albanian and Serbian mental health professionals at the national level in the field of trauma therapy. From February 11 to 15, 2024, the 6th module of the trauma therapy program was held on the topic “Rescuing the inner child in safety” lectured by Dr. Matthias Kollmann with participation of 36 participants (psychologists, psychiatrists, psycho-social counselors) who have followed the training. This has a positive impact on improving the quality of mental health services for traumatized people.
RAE women from Fushë Kosova celebrating 8 of March ‘’ International Women day’’ in Diakonie Kosova premises
On March 8, the women of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities from Fushe Kosova were welcomed to the premises of Diakonie Kosoves – the psycho-social center for trauma therapy to celebrate together March 8, International Women’s Day. They experienced a joyful day visiting Diakonie Kosova projects and beautiful places of Mitrovica city
Supervision days
Supervision days are organized for Albanian and Serbian mental health professionals following trauma therapy program leaded by Xhevahire Balaj an experienced trauma therapist. Concept of supervision is to discuss about difficult cases the participants present and sharing of the experience among group related to case management. This is helping new trauma therapist to enhance the quality of the services towards traumatized clients, increase their skills and knowledge to better deal with their difficult cases.
Seventh module “Installing positive life events with screen technique” of the trauma therapy program
In April 6th module of the trauma therapy program was held on the topic “Rescuing the inner child in safety” lectured by Xhevahire Balaj experienced trauma therapist with participation of 36 participants (psychologists, psychiatrists, psycho-social counselors) who have followed the training. This will contribute to better professional services in country towards traumatized clients.
